What a Few Too Many Pounds Can do to Your Ability to Hear

Obese woman watching her weight after learning it was causing hearing loss.

We’ve long known that eating too much is harmful to our health, especially over time. Obesity is related to a number of health issues. Heart disease, high cholesterol, diabetes, and you can put hearing on the list, as well. It’s calculated that approximately 48 million people in the United States, loss of hearing is an issue for approximately 20% of the U.S population, and in adults it’s almost twice that number, 93 million, are obese. Throughout the country, these staggering numbers indicate a significant health issue.

What is The Relationship Between Loss of Hearing And Being Overweight?

Various studies have demonstrated that hearing loss and being overweight have a connection. Although researchers are still researching the link, it’s thought that obesity is linked to hearing loss because of its impact on our circulatory system. What’s more, obesity is associated with diabetes and high blood pressure, which are also linked to hearing loss.

Our inner ears are filled with tiny hairs that detect sound in the ear. These little hairs, called stereocilia, require a steady flow of blood and oxygen to work correctly. Because of obesity, the flow of blood is restricted throughout the body because the heart must work extra hard to get the blood flowing around the body, which means that your inner ear is functioning on too little blood flow. Your hearing can be irreversibly damaged by this. Diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease impact the inner ear in a similar manner, since each of these diseases adversely effects your circulation.

It’s especially worthwhile to keep control of your weight as you get older since age-related hearing loss is also connected to a high fat mass index. Your body’s metabolism doesn’t work as fast or as well as it once did, which is the reason why you need to attempt to follow healthy habits that you started when you were younger.

Your hearing and your overall health are benefited by a healthy diet.

Solutions For Obesity-Associated Loss of Hearing

If your loss of hearing is brought about by obesity, you might never be capable of getting it back, nonetheless, it’s always smart to have your ears tested to find out the extent of your hearing loss. If you have irreversible damage, you might require a hearing aid or other device to begin hearing correctly again.

If the damage is not that extreme, you may want to see your doctor before your health gets worse, about creating an exercise and diet plan to minimize the impact your weight has on your health. Your doctor should recommend a cardio intensive exercise routine that will get your blood pumping and enhance your overall health. You will most likely find that other aspects of your life also get better, such as mental health, since consistent exercise has been shown to lessen depression.

How Can You Stop Obesity-Related Hearing Loss

A healthy diet and a day to day exercise strategy are crucial to stopping obesity-related health conditions including heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Your hearing will definitely be kept in superior condition if you keep your body healthy. A strategy that can help you reach your goals and that is individualized for you can be specially designed by a nutritionist. The nutritionist can make certain you’re consuming the right combination of nutrients in nutritious foods, foods that are high in iron, for instance, because of course, a lack of iron in your diet can trigger tinnitus and cause hearing loss.

Discover more about hearing loss and how you can hear better with the appropriate treatment method.

The site information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. To receive personalized advice or treatment, schedule an appointment.